His first words when he walked into the room were "Looks like you're cancer free." Music to our ears!
He explained that when someone presents with high lymph node involvement (like that right shoulder lymph node of E.'s), surgery is usually never offered. He did say though that they do sometimes still consider surgery for younger otherwise healthy folks like E. What is required is a "period of stability," which means 3 to 6 months of clear scans and no cancer.
He explained that the biggest risk is for the cancer to come back somewhere else, like the liver, lungs, etc. That's where the worry lies. He stated that he was very impressed with how E. responded to the chemotherapy, which was very encouraging.
The plan is to return to Texas in three months. At that time, E. will undergo another Endoscopic Ultrasound as well as another PET/CT scan. If he is still all CLEAR, surgery may be offered!
I asked what E.'s job is for the next three months {anticipating an answer about eating healthy, gaining weight, increasing activity, getting in shape}. He looked at us with a big smile and said, "Live life. Your job is to live life." LOVE IT!
A good reminder for all of us. Our jobs are to LIVE LIFE. So friends . . . go! Go live. Go enjoy. Go make every day count.
Live life!
S.
OMG!!!!! i am so excited what a christmas blessing please let E know that it is such a blessing that he kicked this in the butt. always in my prayers. luv babushka
ReplyDeleteI'm practically in tears with love for you!
ReplyDeleteIt's such a joy to be tearing up for you this time. Wonderful, wonderful news.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, live life. What great advice.
Big love and shared joy.
I have no doubt that all our friends and family share in our blessed feelings, but no one gets it better than a very special group of friends . . . my beloved widoweds . . . xoxo.
ReplyDeleteS.
Hip, hip, horray! Merry Christmas and joyous 2010!
ReplyDeletexo,
cristin